Five recommendations too many?

<p>I asked my AP Stats (Geometry freshman year) and English teacher from junior year to write recs for me; I did well and tried hard in both classes. However, my Spanish teacher who I've had freshman and senior year knows the most about me so spur of the moment today I asked her to write one too. Along with that I also have a recommendation from a professor whom I interned for over the summer. My guidance counselor told me to just send all of them in (3 teachers, 1 GC and one outside school) but I honestly think that's too much.</p>

<p>I'm debating right now between sending all of them in, or pick between my English and Spanish teacher. Good writer who sees me trying hard and doing well in a subject I lack in or a Spanish teacher who knows more about my personality?</p>

<p>Go for it. I’m sending 5 also: One from AP English teacher (rec is amazing, I read it), AP Biology teacher, AP Human Geography/Debate II/Honors Debate IV teacher/Debate Team advisor (Amazing also, considering I’m captain of the team), Cardiologist I interned for, and GC.</p>

<p>Here’s my take: As long as each rec portrays you in a positive NEW light, then they’re fine. But if each rec simply repeats how hardworking a student you are, it can be detrimental.</p>

<p>I would avoid sending 5 unless you are absolutely sure that your application would not be complete without all of them</p>

<p>I don’t think you should send five. You have to look at it from the adcom’s perspective: it’s not just your five recs that they will read. They will probably be reading thousands of recs from different students. I doubt that all five of them are necessary for showing how great of a person you are.</p>

<p>Imo, I would get rid of either the math or English teacher. It’s great that you did well in both of those classes, but I’m sure every student has teachers like that. Your Spanish teacher seems to know more about you personally instead of just the fact that you did well in her class. This means she can write about your character a lot better. And the internship letter, although possibly still school related since the person is a professor, shows a more unique aspect of yourself. I’d say less than half or even less than 3/4 of high school students have an internship, so this will probably stand out a lot more than two teachers for whom you did well. And the GC one is probably required so I can’t tell you to get rid of it. :P</p>